By Dr. Aakash Ahuja MD

The socioeconomic and emotional implications as a result of the coronavirus pandemic continue to manifest each passing day.

On March 13, the City of Santa Clarita issued an emergency declaration to suspend all nonessential City services and close City facilities.

Elected officials and their health and safety offices have advised appropriate precautions and measures to the public as to what must be done as the number of cases continues to increase exponentially.
Countries across the world continue to enact travel restrictions and limitations; close schools, religious institutes, shops and businesses; and lock down their borders.

For my friends and neighbors in Santa Clarita, it is imperative that we work together to flatten the “pandemic curve.” This can be done through the practice of social distancing, which will slow down the number of those who are infected and give enough time to our local authorities to prepare and not be over-burdened, unlike the health officials in Italy or other parts of the world.

Please follow the instructions issued by health officials, including our own Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

• Please wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer consisting of at least 60 percent alcohol if soap is not available.
• Clean surfaces and items which we use commonly with disinfectants (this can include steering wheels, smart phones, TV remotes, refrigerator doors, door knobs, etc).

If you are having symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, contact your health provider and follow their advice. Another great resource is www.cdc.gov.

“Flattening the curve” will be helpful; however, people must remain cautious and not panic. Maintaining and elevating our immunity is very important, and stress and panic are certainly not friends of our immune system.

We are all in this together! This city came together four months ago out of compassion for one another following the tragedy at Saugus High School. As we face this pandemic together, I am sure we will continue to stay strong by putting aside our differences and helping each other.

Stay strong, stay cautious, stay humble and maintain social distancing, my friends.

By Dr. Aakash Ahuja MD

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